Recent guidance from OMB to agency chief financial officers somewhat loosens controls imposed on agency travel and conference expenses that were imposed following reports of excessive spending by agencies including GSA and VA.
“Each agency is responsible for implementing its own internal travel and conference policies, and each agency needs to achieve the right balance between reducing spending and meeting mission critical needs. As each agency reviews its travel and conference-related activities, it is critical to continue to recognize the important role that mission-related travel and conferences can often play in Government operations,” said a controller alert.
It reminded agencies that quarterly reports to OMB on travel reductions are still required. However, it said that “if agencies have new mission critical travel needs not captured in the original FY 2012 travel reduction targets, OMB will entertain proposals for baseline adjustment.”
Similarly, the document reminded agencies of the requirements for greater scrutiny of conferences but added that approval authority can be delegated below the level of deputy secretary, and that by making such delegations “agencies have found that the approver is more familiar with the subject of the conference.”
It also said that agencies are free to pre-approve recurring events and attendance at non-government sponsored conferences in order to reduce the time and effort required in individual reviews, although they would remain covered by reporting requirements.
